Stellaria pubera
| Star chickweed | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Stellaria |
| Species: | S. pubera |
| Binomial name | |
| Stellaria pubera Michx. | |
Stellaria pubera, the star chickweed,[1] is a wildflower found in the eastern United States.
Identification
Close examination of the flower reveals that the apparent ten petals are actually five, each deeply cleft. Notched petals are a characteristic of the pink family. The blossom as a result looks star-like, with its white, pointed petal segments surrounding an off-white center. Stamens are tipped with dark anthers. Close examination of the stem shows rows of hairs running up the stem, switching sides at each node.
An early spring bloomer, star chickweed may be seen in flower as early as April. It grows 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) high. The leaves are ovate, growing opposite one another and attached without stalks to the weak and sometimes reclining stem.
Star chickweed is sometimes called great chickweed, so named because, in comparison to its relatives, this plant has large, showy flowers. It can also be differentiated from common chickweed (Stellaria media), which is introduced to North America from Europe, by the latter species' dense hairs on the stem and leaves.
Natural history
Star chickweed favors woods and rocky slopes.[2] In the United States, it is found chiefly from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and west to Indiana and Alabama, with scattered populations in New York, New England, Illinois, Nebraska, Mississippi and Louisiana.[1]
The star-shaped flowers of star chickweed inspired the common and Latin name for this flower. The genus name, Stellaria, comes from the Latin stella, meaning "star". The species name, pubera ("hairy"), comes from the lines of hairs that line the stem. This species has a long growing season and produces many tiny seeds. These seeds are commonly eaten by birds, hence the name “chickweed”. Another common name given this plant is "bird seed", again for this reason.
Conservation
Star chickweed is endangered in the state of New Jersey.[3]
References
- 1 2 "Stellaria pubera". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- ↑ Newcomb, Lawrence (1977). Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown. pp. 274–275. ISBN 0316604429.
- ↑ "List of Endangered Plant Species and Plant Species of Concern" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Retrieved 11 April 2012.